International Student Services

Mount Mercy is a diverse and welcoming campus community, with students from all over the world attending classes and experiencing the benefits of our small campus.

About International Student Services

We're proud that Mount Mercy currently enrolls students from 30+ different countries, representing six continents.

Mount Mercy is well-known for its small campus and personalized attention. The staff and faculty strive to provide one-on-one attention that assists international students in everything from visa information to housing opportunities to cultural adjustments.

We're here to help and will work with you individually to ensure you find success during your time at Mount Mercy.

We invite you to explore the breadth of Mount Mercy's international connections and meet a few students who have traveled thousands of miles and are happy to call "the Hill" their home in the United States.

International Student Success

For questions or if you need assistance, please contact Danielle Rudd, Dean or Students, at drudd@mtmercy.edu or Charles Martin-Stanley, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, at cmartinstanley@mtmercy.edu. You can also submit a help request form.

Let the Diversity & International Student Success office know your flight information and if you need a ride from the airport. Complete this arrival form every semester 2-3 weeks prior to your flight.

Flight tickets should be booked well in advance. The nearest airport is the Eastern Iowa Airport. It is a small, regional airport, so flight options may be limited.

Also, check the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Travel Recommendations for info on Covid-19 and international travel.

Make changes to your visa on the US Student and Exchange Visitor Program Portal. Contact the Designated School Official (DSO) Amir Hadzic with visa questions or to get an updated I-20.

The Study in the States website also has helpful information on the I-20 and other necessary paperwork.

If you need a ride to the social security office, please let Danielle Rudd know one week in advance.

To work on-campus, international students will need a social security card. Then contact the Financial Aid Office for a list of open campus employment opportunities. Also check with each department individually to see if they need student workers, such as admissions, student services, and events.

Curricular Practice Training (CPT) allows students employment related to their field of study such as an internship required for your major.

Optional Practice Training (OPT) allows students employment related to their field of study either during or after obtaining their degree. 

To apply for CPT or OPT:

  1. Contact Amir at ahadzic@mtmercy.edu to begin the process
  2. Get a job offer for a job in your field of study/major
  3. Work with Amir to complete form CPT/OPT form
  4. Submit an application and receive an updated I-20 form

Volunteer Opportunities: The Mission and Ministry department provides volunteer opportunities in sustainability and mentorship.

Social Justice Research and Community Engagement Program: Gain experience in advocacy and enhance research skills through AmeriCorps’ Campus Compact program.

Clubs and Organizations: All international students are designated in the International Club. International students are encouraged to join a career, interest, identity, or leadership focused club as well.

Athletics: Find information on games and links to resources for current student-athletes.

About Cedar Rapids: Learn about the athletic, art and cultural events in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.

Mount Mercy University’s Graduate School and the University of Iowa’s Graduate School accept international students, among others. Discuss your graduate school plans with Diversity & International Student Success for additional guidance and support.

Green State Credit Union: Allows students to open an account without a social security card while waiting for it to arrive.

Contact: Simon Mejia

Email: simonmejia@greenstate.org

Phone: 319-731-2771

US Bank: Has an ATM on campus on the 1st floor of the UC.

Mount Mercy University is an amazingly diverse school made up of students of different nationalities speaking different languages—and a place I call my second home.

Masine Zakaria '18
Togo

Scholarships

There are a handful of scholarships that are available to International Students. See our Tuituin & Fees page for more information of tuition.

Learn more about scholarship opportunities for international students, including:

  • International Student Scholarship
  • International Transfer Scholarship
  • Athletic Scholarships
  • Special Talent Awards

Contact International Student Office

Amir Hadzic

A Day in the Life of a Mount Mercy International Student (4:28)

Ogi Bozkan
Video Link

Besides combining soccer, studies, and English, the personal relationships I made here are the most valuable experience. I’ve grown as an athlete and as a person, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity to study at Mount Mercy.

Max Rieger '20
Germany

Picture Yourself at Mount Mercy (3:34)

virtual tour of mount mercy university
Video Link

Athletics at Mount Mercy (2:37)

Track student-athletes
Video Link

Student Life at Mount Mercy (2:07)

Glow event
Video Link

Attending Mount Mercy turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made thus far. Aside from the wonderful classroom atmosphere, social activities, and diverse campus, MMU helped me realize my passion for service too.

Nakola Nyambe '17
Zambia